The 2023 series of *Strictly Come Dancing* became infamous not only for its dazzling performances but also for the behind-the-scenes drama, 

especially regarding the fallout between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice. 

As the show became a hot topic of conversation, fellow celebrity dancer Annabel Croft has opened up about the intense pressures 

that plagued the series, shedding light on some of the off-camera tensions that escalated throughout the season.

In a candid conversation at The Barbican in London, Annabel, who was part of the *Strictly* cast, discussed the stressful environment during rehearsals 

and how the atmosphere behind the scenes wasn’t always as glamorous as it seemed on television. 

Annabel revealed that Amanda Abbington wasn’t the only one feeling the strain while training for the show. She hinted at incidents where other celebrities also experienced significant stress and emotional strain during the competition.

“There is a lot of stress behind the scenes,” Annabel shared. “You were rehearsing next door to various couples and would see doors being slammed and somebody running off down the road in tears.” The image painted by Annabel suggests that the emotional toll of the show was more than just an occasional moment of tension—it was a consistent undercurrent that ran through the rehearsal spaces, with some dancers visibly struggling.

While Annabel did not disclose specific names, she mentioned an unnamed celebrity who allegedly had such a heated argument that they ran off in tears. This revelation paints a picture of the high-pressure environment *Strictly* contestants are placed in as they juggle the demands of intense rehearsals, live shows, and public scrutiny.

The fallout between Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice, which garnered much media attention, was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to backstage drama. Abbington, who had initially been considered a frontrunner in the competition, faced a significant clash with her professional partner. Their falling out led to a public split, with Amanda eventually exiting the show earlier than expected. While the details of their disagreements have not been fully disclosed, the emotional toll it took on both performers was clear.

In light of the intense behind-the-scenes stress, Annabel’s comments highlight the emotional and psychological strain that many contestants experience during the competition. It is not only about learning the choreography and delivering a performance under the spotlight, but also navigating the high-stakes environment of *Strictly*.

In response to the incidents that marred the 2023 series, the *Strictly Come Dancing* team has reportedly introduced new measures to better manage the pressures of the show. These changes are aimed at improving the experience for both the professional dancers and the celebrities, ensuring that mental health and well-being are prioritized during the intense training period. 

For a show as beloved and long-running as *Strictly Come Dancing*, the addition of such measures is likely well overdue. Fans of the show have long celebrated the glitz and glamour of the performances, but as Annabel and other contestants have revealed, the emotional strain behind the scenes can be overwhelming. The added pressures of media attention, public opinion, and the constant drive for perfection often take a toll on the participants’ mental health.

While Amanda Abbington’s time on *Strictly* may have ended controversially, her experience highlights the often unseen struggles that come with participating in such a high-profile competition. It’s a reminder that the journey for many contestants isn’t just about the final performance—it’s about navigating the challenges of a highly intense environment, both physically and emotionally.

In the aftermath of the 2023 series, it’s clear that the lessons learned from Amanda’s fallout with Giovanni Pernice and other backstage tensions have prompted necessary changes within the production of the show. Fans of *Strictly Come Dancing* can only hope that these adjustments will ensure a healthier and more supportive environment for future contestants.

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